Rory McIlroy details special relationship with Tiger Woods and impact on career

07 September 2023 , 16:41

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Rory McIlroy details special relationship with Tiger Woods and impact on career

Rory McIlroy has revealed that he talks to golf legend Tiger Woods "every other day" in an interview discussing the pair's relationship.

Both McIlroy and Woods have enjoyed a friendly relationship over the past two decades, with both golfers winning almost every tournament on offer. The pair have played against each other on several occasions and have also linked up in recent years, joining forces to play in The Genesis Invitational earlier this year.

It therefore comes as no surprise that the duo stay frequently in touch and continue to learn off one another, with McIlroy also admitting that Woods provides tips on how to improve his game.

"Every other day almost," McIlroy said when he was asked how frequently he speaks to Woods via the Golf Weekly podcast.

"He's a great resource, and if there's anything I ever need to ask - we don't live too far away from each other in Florida. He's shown me some things that I don't know if he's shown anyone else but Charlie [Woods' son], [Justin Thomas] as well."

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McIlroy was then asked to elaborate on what pearls of wisdom Woods has been offering. "Just some different shots around the greens," he added.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have enjoyed a friendly relationship for well over a decade (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

"He's the biggest golf nerd I've ever come across. He knows everything about everything, he watches everything. He lets on that he doesn't but he watches so much.

"He analyses guy's moves and he just loves the game. I think for him, what sets him apart when he was at his best was he just loved the pursuit of just trying to master his craft.

"And that really comes out when he's describing things to you. Even, you know, 'You've got a chip shot that's got a right to left, a slope on the green,' you know, he's hitting them with cut spins to take out the slope. Like the craft, I've never seen anyone else like that."

Woods and McIlroy have always enjoyed a strong bond which can be traced back to when the Northern Irishman left golf brand Titleist to join Nike as an ambassador, alongside the American.

Woods has featured less on the golf course in recent years after his recent fitness and personal issues, with McIlroy reportedly one of the first to reach out to the sporting icon following his shocking car crash in 2021.

The pair have also gone into business together, creating a new sports and entertainment venture 'TMRW Sports'. The pair also created the TGL golf league which will see tournaments played on a virtual golf course.

McIlroy is next in action at the 2023 Ryder Cup which is taking place at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome and starts on Sept. 25, with Team USA hoping that Woods won't spill any secrets to his long-time friend.

Joseph Dexter